Learn how to take control of your unruly backyard in this Saturday class. Instructor Rodney Pond will introduce you to the invasive species commonly found in Seattle yards, and show you how to get rid of them (permanently!). In addition, you will learn about what plants will be safe to add to your backyard to return it to the oasis of peace and relaxation it once was.

Are you intimidated by the idea of working on your unruly ravine? This class will also teach home and property owners how to safely remove plants from and work on steep slopes.

Learn how to create reclaimed glass works of art in this introductory class. Use stained glass and wire to create whimsical pieces for any garden or window and take with you not only your creation, but the knowledge of how to do it at home.

Think printing with potatoes is just for kids? Well, kids do enjoy it, but now adults can too! Learn how to print on cloth or paper with any type of potato. Cheap and elegant gifts are at your fingertips! This is an introductory class; all levels and ages are welcome.

Join Dr. Sarah Reichard, UW Botanic Gardens Director, and author of The Conscientious Gardener, for a discussion of her book and a walk through Washington Park Arboretum.

Discover how routine gardening practices can harm both local and distant ecosystems and how you can manage your own garden to minimize detrimental effects on the environment. Learn how to sustainably and responsibly control pests, conserve water, and improve your soil.

Dr. Reichard has practical tips that will help you become a Conscientious Gardener!

Other upcoming classes:

Can you grow interesting plants in the shade?
Is there such a thing as too many plants?
What does a lavender farm look (and smell!) like?
What can you do to help your poor overgrown yard recover from an invasive takeover?
We can help! We have the answers to all these questions and more. Stop in for one of our fascinating plant classes.

Is your formerly sunny garden becoming shady with maturing trees and shrubs? Or do you have areas of existing shade? This class will teach you how to plant for shade and still have beautiful enduring plants from early spring through fall. Learn to love the shade!
Saturday’s class will be a field trip to a Northwest Seattle private (shady!) garden.

There are a lot of good reasons to make more plants of the ones you already grow and love: fill empty spots in your own garden, gift to friends, contribute to plant sales, maybe even just have cheap fun in your garden. Whatever your reasons, this program will demonstrate a variety of techniques that can be used in early summer including division and cuttings as well as discuss materials and resources that will contribute to your success. Join Master Gardener Kay Gordon as she shares experiences from her own garden.

Master Gardener Tom Frei has been working with his wife and children to develop Woodinville Lavender since 2008. They are currently growing over 3000 plants and 25 varieties at a farm overlooking the Sammamish Valley.

Tom will discuss the history, botany, selection, care, and uses of lavender and lead us on a tour of the sustainable and organic gardens. Lavender refreshments will be provided. The 3rd week of July is the peak time for lavender blooms so don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity!

Want to stop your yard from being swallowed up by unsightly ivy? Tired of being scratched by thorny blackberries? Join this workshop to jump start your backyard restoration efforts. Learn the common invasive species in Seattle, how to remove and dispose of them, and how to keep them from coming back. We will also touch on good plants to replace invasive species and how to work safely on steep slopes.